Several Hunting Questions

Ok, my first ever hunting trip was a success! Killed 4 rabbits (the daily limit) with my Mossberg 590A1 w/ 18.5" barrel. So, first question is, how do I cook them? I fried one, and that was pretty ok, but what else can be done? Next, I wouldn't mind getting into deer hunting. I have an AR and a Mosin. I'm not too accurate with the Mosin (more shooter error than anything I'm sure). Is an AR sufficient to cleanly take deer? Also, I just have iron sights, should I invest in any sort of optic? I'm accurate out to 300m with irons/red dot, but should I get something that has a little zoom?
Thanks in advance!

The way I read them:
Rifles (other than a muzzleloading rifle .38 caliber or larger) are not allowed for hunting deer in Ohio.

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Default.aspx?tabid=20829#deer

rc

Bobson

January 21, 2013, 09:47 PM

Given rc's post, you may as well pick up a smoothbore 28" barrel for that 590, and use buckshot.

Naybor

January 21, 2013, 10:03 PM

I've gotten a few recipes from this site"

http://rabbithuntingonline.com/recipes/

You can Google rabbit recipes to find more.

lpsharp88

January 21, 2013, 10:09 PM

Ah, I forgot to mention that I go to college in KY and will most likely be doing my deer hunting down there, and their hunting laws are much looser than in Ohio. Thanks!

1911 guy

January 22, 2013, 12:36 AM

Hey there, fellow Buckeye.

For deer hunting, I'd either go with the Mosin or slugs through the Mossberg. Even with premium ammo, the .223 is marginal for deer and most states have caliber restrictions, the most common being minimum .25 caliber.

Since Ohio deer season is the week after Thanksgiving every year, you may well find yourself at home in Ohio during the season. Here in Ohio, there are no rifles other than blackpowder allowed and shotgun slugs are the most popular choice. You've also got some of the better hunting in the state not too far from you.

I'm in the northern part of the state, Portage County, between Akron and Cleveland. But I'm also in the "Hunting Mentors" sticky at the top of this page. Give me a yell if you'd like. Although season is about over for anything but rabbit by the middle to end of January.

The Big Game Hunter

January 24, 2013, 10:57 AM

I agree with the above posters. While the AR-15 will certainly do the job if the bullet is placed perfectly, the Mosin is a much better choice. The 7.62x54R will give you a significantly larger margin of error and is what I would recommend. Some states, like Georgia, do allow .223 caliber rifles for deer hunting, most states do not. Whatever you do, ensure that you read and follow the regulations for whatever state you end up hunting in.

Sav .250

January 24, 2013, 01:34 PM

Check to see if your state DNR has a min cal to hunt big game. You can own one but possibly not use it to hunt with. Also may not be able to use a semi auto to hunt with either. J s/n.

Google your question on cooking rabbit.

Accurate out to 300 yds. Save your money. looks like your a crack shot from the get go.
Altough a deer doesn`t look very big at that distance!

sixgunner455

January 24, 2013, 02:22 PM

Kentucky, as I have just read, allows any centerfire caliber rifle for rifle hunting of deer.

Many states allow the .223. It is very capable, within reasonable ranges, of cleanly taking a deer. And many people hunt with an AR15. The AR was introduced to the shooting public as a light, tough, accurate hunting rifle.

As the OP has in his signature that he is an OIF vet, it would seem that he is familiar enough with the weapon to use one.

lpsharp88

January 24, 2013, 03:22 PM

Just to clarify, when I say accurate to 300m, I mean hitting a man sized target anywhere (i.e. Army rifle qualification, a hit anywhere counts). I do not mean capable of scoring a lung shot on command from 300m lol.

Bobson

January 24, 2013, 03:29 PM

Just to clarify, when I say accurate to 300m, I mean hitting a man sized target anywhere (i.e. Army rifle qualification, a hit anywhere counts). I do not mean capable of scoring a lung shot on command from 300m lol.
A decent scope wouldn't hurt, but I wouldn't say its a necessity; its likely that a quality optic will extend your effective range. Know the max distance you can put a bullet into a basketball on command, and limit yourself to shots in that range.

MCK0704

January 24, 2013, 05:37 PM

I'm also in Ohio (in Stark County near the Summit County border) and would like to try my hand at hunting.

Thanks for being willing to teach new hunters, 1911 Guy. I might send you a PM. I just wanted to let you know in advance as a courtesy. If we do go hunting, you can keep the meat, if that's legal. I just want to learn hunting as a survival skill in case I ever need it, and I've wanted to try hunting for awhile.

Thanks.

-Mike

gspn

January 24, 2013, 06:53 PM

First...great job on the rabbits!

With regard to the AR being adequate for deer it will depend on:

- State Regs
- shot placement
- bullet construction

I personally won't hunt with a 5.56 for deer sized critters...but I know people who successfully take them. Just know your shooting and your load because I also know people who lose them with inadequate rounds too.

With regard to optics this is again up to you. If you can consistently hit a target the size of a deers vitals under realistic hunting conditions with iron sights...then by all means use them. Plenty of deer have been killed with iron sights...they just have their limits. If you stay within those limits you'll be rewarded with great results. if you try to push past those limits you'll end up maiming deer and losing them.

I use a scope because the reality of deer hunting is that you are often hunting in low light conditions where your front sight simply disappears in the darkness. A scope allows me maximum precision until the last legal minute of light...and I am all about maximum precision. I want to deliver the quickest, cleanest, most humane shot that I can. In addition to this being best for the animal it makes my job of recovering it a whole lot easier too.

If I was just messing around target shooting and punching paper I wouldn't worry about blowing money on a scope...but if it's a real live critter on the line...good glass will give me more opportunity.

To sum up...know the regs, know yourself, use enough gun, practice under realistic conditions. Good luck and welcome to a great hobby. I started hunting in college too and distinctly remember the satisfaction of filling my freezer with one shot on a cold and lonely bean field.

witchhunter

January 24, 2013, 10:15 PM

cut up one of the rabbits, cover the bottom of a crock pot with chunked potatoes, add rabbit, carrots and peas. add a can of cream of mushrom soup or two. cook on low all day.....when you get home from huntin, mmm good rabbit stew.

1911 guy

January 25, 2013, 12:28 AM

MCK0704, feel free to send me a PM. Season is about over this year, but squirrel starts in August 2013. As a general hunting gun, a shotgun is probably the best bet for Ohio. 12 and 20 guages are the most common. I'm also a big fan of the .22 rimfire, but not until the leaves come off the trees.

I saw in some of your other posts you don't own any guns yet but are looking and that's fine.

The old post when i initially signed on as a mentor is long gone, but there was one warning in there from me. I'm a stickler for safety. Point a gun at me once and I'll warn you. Twice, the day is over and there won't be a second outing. Not trying to sound mean (I'm actually an easy going guy), but safety, especially gun safety, is a big deal when you are miles from anywhere help can get to you.